I find it helpful to take a combination of an open and passive-aggressive approach to shopping for a bow. IT's a good idea to browse the web and print out specs on the bows you think you might be interested in, bring the print outs with you if you have a crappy memory like I do.

Most good shops will have a good selection on hand, but may not have one that fits you correctly in every model. They may have to order it, and most shops will not order it unless you put down some money or already have a habit of buying things there already.

It's good that you have an idea of what you like. I'd find a shop that sells Reflexs and has a good selection of them. Go in first and be honest and just say...here's what I have for a budget, what would you recomend? Very likely they'll point you to something they want to sell for one reason or another. Ask them why the recomend this brand or model. THen you can ask them to set up a different bow, perhaps the one you were already interested in.

If they won't set it up for you to shoot it unless you buy it, leave and find another shop.

I'd also recomend shopping without cash in hand. Don't tell them you don't, but a good question to ask is if they have a layaway plan. That way they already know that you want to buy but probably won't be taking it home that day and they may have to do a little selling too.

A good pro-shop will be staffed by hunters who know their product and shooting well. They should also be interested in getting you shooting well with what they sell you.